Orthokeratology

What is Orthokeratology(ORTHO-K)?

ORTHOKERATOLOGY, OR ORTHO-K, IS THE NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURE THAT WILL REDUCE OR ELIMINATE MYOPIA (NEARSIGHTEDNESS) AND ASTIGMATISM. This specialized procedure involves the programmed use of a serious of highly gas permeable contact lenses. These high-tech lenses cause a change in the shape of the surface of the eye. When the surface of the eye deviates from a normal contour, as is the case in most myopia and astigmatism, this non-surgical procedure can be of great value in restoring natural vision.

"WHAT IS MYOPIA AND ASTIGMATISM?" Myopia is more commonly known as nearsightedness, this condition occurs when the cornea focuses light in front of the retina, thereby causing blurred distance vision. Approximately 70% of those people, who become nearsighted, start between the ages of 7 and 15. Myopia is a progressive condition, once it starts it progresses to varying levels of severity. The primary cause is visual stress brought on the eye by concentrated close work, such as studying and reading. In recent years we have also seen an increase in myopia among those patients who do extensive work on computers.

Astigmatism is an irregularly shaped surface of the eye similar to an egg shape usually it the cornea that warped. This causes blurred vision, headaches and other symptoms. The irregularly shaped cornea can frequently be returned to its natural state using the Ortho-K procedure thus reducing or eliminating astigmatism.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW IF ORTHO-K IS FOR YOU?" Before a patient starts Ortho-K, a careful and detailed predictability study is performed. This predictability study indicates the amount of corneal deviation from normal that the patient has. The doctors can predict how much corneal myopia and astigmatism is correctable.

SIMPLE AND PAINLESS, THIS PROCEDURE INVOLVES NO SURGERY. Once the corneal contour and its deviation from normal is known, the doctor designs and fits a serious of comfortable contact lenses which gently reshape the cornea front curvature, thereby returning the cornea to its natural state. Once the corneal contour change has been completed, the patient is fitted with retainer lenses which help to stabilize the result of the procedure.

THERE ARE NO AGE RESTRICTIONS TO ORTHO-K. One patient in his early thirties came with 20/400 vision and he was corrected to 20/20. In his word, he change in my vision was incredible, it happened quickly, within weeks, I was corrected to do my work without the contact lenses.?A 12 year old girl whose prescription had doubled in the 12 months prior to visiting our office was corrected to 20/20?

"WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM ORTHO-K?" Anyone who is nearsighted or astigmatic in a moderate amount shows change of potential. We have come to learn that often people developing poor eye sight are in fear, or at best don feel good about the loss of vision even though they can see with glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K often results in that person feeling more confident and better about them. Improved or corrected unaided vision can mean a career opportunity for some and improved sports ability for others. Ortho-K can mean freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

If you would like additional information about Ortho-K, please call our office.......